The legislative threat to transgender lives is on the rise

  Due to the rising legislative threats against the transgender community, students at UMKC feel increasingly threatened and worried about the future.

  “Our federal government is harassing us every day,” said graduate student Celeste Michael. “Whether or not [trans people] experienced interpersonal harassment doesn’t mean we don’t have the same struggles.”

  Shannon Fyfe at the Washington and Lee University School of Law claims that this feeling of uncertainty is likely due to the legislative genocide starting in the United States. Over 250 bills have been created, which are meant to erase or ban gender-affirming care for anyone identifying within the transgender community.

  While this type of genocide is not yet outing those publicly and murdering them (at a large scale), an effort to deny their existence and access to healthcare has started. This is known as legislative genocide. 

  That’s not to say there have been zero murders. At least thirty-two transgender/gender non-conforming people were killed in 2024 alone. From 2017 to 2021, that number nearly doubled. This only counts publicly out transgender people.

  Living in Kansas City has become difficult for some trans students, with some questioning their safety daily. “I don’t feel 100% safe with every staff member or every person on campus,” Michael said. “I feel safe sometimes, but not all of the time.” 

  However, other students disagree. “I really do [feel safe at UMKC],” said Marijke Lewis, a bisexual freshman in the exploratory program. “That’s actually one of my favorite things.”

  The legislative genocide has caused over half of the states to restrict gender-affirming care, including being allowed in sports, and 20 states now have rules on public bathroom usage.

  “I’m terrified. It’s reminiscent of a lot of things that have happened in history where groups have been targeted for things about themselves they cannot change,” said Emmitt Kaufman, an agender psychology major.

  While UMKC is a campus with many resources for LGBTQ+ students, some argue that there is more to be done now and moving forward. Students explained that there should always be advocacy and love for the community, even under pressure and/or harassment from others. 

  While it can seem like there is not much one person can do on a large scale, advocacy for change, supporting local trans people and educating yourself and others on trans history is a step most people in the community would agree upon.

  “Check in on your trans friends. They are going through a lot right now. If there is any way you can be an accomplice, do that,” said Michael. “We deserve your support always, but now more than ever.” 

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